Historical society urges Pocatello to fund urgent Fort Hall replica and junction repairs

Randy Dixon, vice president of the Bannock County Historical Society, told the Pocatello City Council work session that the Fort Hall replica and the adjacent Pocatello Junction need immediate repairs and a durable maintenance plan.

Dixon said a contractor estimated about $39,574 in urgent work to stabilize and replace rotting logs and a condemned mezzanine at the Fort Hall replica, and additional repairs across junction buildings that pushed the society's near‑term estimate into the tens of thousands. “This fort is a liability. We're talking about replacing a mezzanine,” Dixon said, adding later, “we can't let this fort and this junction go away.”

Why it matters: the society and city entered a 2017 memorandum of agreement that assigns responsibility for ongoing maintenance and grounds to the city, while the society operates programs and collects a modest revenue share. Parks and recreation staff told council the city's designated fund for the replica and junction holds about $11,772 with roughly $4,800 available annually for repairs—far less than the restoration estimates presented.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members pressed for clearer numbers and a formal ask. Several members emphasized they need visitation and revenue data, a prioritized list of repairs, and a specific dollar request to consider during the next budget cycle; one council member said closure of the site should remain an option if long‑term funding cannot be found. Parks Director Ann Butler and society leaders agreed to return with a written proposal that consolidates contractor estimates, volunteer commitments, current fund balances, and a recommended schedule and budget request for the council to consider.

What the society is offering: the society outlined donated materials and labor commitments (roof repairs and volunteer painting), a small on‑hand fund, and outreach to volunteers and grant sources; Sherwin‑Williams provided a reduced paint estimate and local contractors have offered in‑kind work. The society asked the city to revisit the 2017 memorandum to clarify funding responsibilities and to identify potential grant sources and budget options.

The council asked staff and the society to prepare a formal budget request and supporting visitation/revenue data for the next budget cycle and to identify any immediate safety items that should be addressed sooner.